International Variations of William
Classic William has been well used throughout the years.
There are many handsome forms of William used internationally, such as French Guillermo, German Wilhelm, Hungarian Vilmo, and Welsh Gwylym.
Here is our full list of international variations of William, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
RELATED:
- Liam
Origin:
Irish short form of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
Liam is the top boys' name in the US, holding the Number 1 spot for the past seven years and also ranking as one of the most popular boys' names around the western world.
- Wolf
Origin:
Animal name or diminutive of Wolfgang, GermanMeaning:
" traveling wolf"Description:
Wolf is a name with a split personality. It can be seen as one of the fierce animal names, like Fox and Bear and Puma, with a touch of the werewolf, or it can be viewed as a quieter, Wolf Blitzer kind of name, fairly common in German (where is pronounced Vulf) and Jewish families, sometimes as a short form of Wolfgang, or even Wolfram or Wolfhart.
- Gwilym
Origin:
Welsh variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
The Welsh version of William is almost unheard-of across, but it's fairly straightforward and could make a good heritage choice or alternative honor name.
- Willem
Origin:
Dutch variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protector"Description:
Common in Holland, the appealing Willem (as in de Kooning and Dafoe) makes William fresh and distinctive.
- Willem
Origin:
Dutch variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protector"Description:
Common in Holland, the appealing Willem (as in de Kooning and Dafoe) makes William fresh and distinctive.
- Wilhelm
Origin:
German variation of WilliamMeaning:
"resolute protection"Description:
This dignified German form of William belonged to two German Emperors and Kings of Prussia, as well as a host of other important historical figures. These include composer (Wilhelm) Richard Wagner, philosophers Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz, and physicist Wilhelm Roentgen, who discovered the X-ray. It now sounds rather dated in Germany, however, having dropped out of the Top 20 there in the late 1920s and continuing to decline since.
- Guillaume
Origin:
French variation of WilliamDescription:
An everyday name in France, a charismatic possibility here.
- Uilliam
Origin:
Irish variation of WilliamDescription:
A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well.
- Guillermo
Origin:
Spanish variation of WilliamDescription:
As with Guillaume (see above), Liam, Willem, and Wilhelm, everyday Williams in their own countries, Guillermo is a captivating possibility here. Giermo, Gigermo, Gijermo, Gillermo, Gillirmo, Giyermo, Guermillo, Guiermo Guilermón, Guille, Guillelmo, Guillermino, Guillo, Guirmo, Gullermo, Llermo, Memo, Quillermo.
- Guilherme
Description:
Guilherme is the Portuguese form of the Germanic name Wilhelm, which is composed of the elements 'wil' meaning 'will, desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet, protection'. Popular throughout Brazil and Portugal, Guilherme has been consistently used over centuries and ranks among the top names in Portuguese-speaking countries. It carries associations of strength, determination, and nobility. The name has recognizable variants across different languages including William (English), Guillaume (French), and Guillermo (Spanish). Bearers include Brazilian footballers Guilherme Leicam and Guilherme Siqueira, giving the name a contemporary sporty image while maintaining its classic appeal.
- Vili
Description:
Vili is a masculine name with deep roots in Norse mythology, where Vili was one of three brothers (along with Odin and Vé) who created the world. The name derives from Old Norse elements meaning 'will' or 'desire,' reflecting determination and purpose. Common in Nordic countries, particularly Finland and Iceland, Vili offers a short, distinctive alternative to more elaborate Norse names. Its brevity makes it easily pronounceable across cultures while maintaining its Nordic character. In Finnish culture, the name has maintained steady usage throughout the years. Vili projects qualities of creativity, leadership, and primal strength through its mythological connections. Its simple two-syllable structure gives it a modern feel despite its ancient origins.
- Guglielmo
Origin:
Italian variation of WilliamDescription:
William is a stylish classic right now, and while translating many classic names into Italian makes them instantly cooler and more attractive, this is one exception: Guglielmo presents pronunciation problems for the English speaker, suggesting the less-than-cool word "googley" followed by the even-less-cool-than-that Elmo.
- Vilem
Description:
Vilem is a masculine name of Czech and Slovak origin, equivalent to the English William and German Wilhelm. It derives from Germanic elements 'wil' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection), thus meaning 'determined protector' or 'resolute guardian.' Popular throughout the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Vilem carries a strong cultural identity while maintaining international recognition through its connection to the William name family. The name has been borne by notable figures in Czech history and literature, including the poet Vilem Mrštík. With its distinctive sound and spelling, yet familiar roots, Vilem offers parents a name that stands out while still connecting to a widely recognized naming tradition across European cultures.
- Guillermino
Description:
Guillermino is a masculine name that represents an elaborated form of Guillermo, the Spanish equivalent of William. The name has Germanic origins, derived from elements meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helmet' or 'protection,' suggesting a sense of determined guardian. The suffix '-ino' adds a diminutive or affectionate quality, common in Spanish and Italian naming patterns. While Guillermo is widely used throughout Spanish-speaking countries, Guillermino is considerably rarer, offering a more distinctive alternative. The name has a warm, rolling sound with its multiple syllables and the characteristic Spanish double-L pronunciation. It carries connotations of strength tempered with affection and might appeal to parents seeking a name with Hispanic roots that stands out from more common choices while still honoring tradition.
- Guillem
Origin:
Catalan form of WilliamDescription:
An intriguing way to spin an old standard. Pronounced with a hard G: gee-yem.
- Vilek
Description:
Vilek is a rare masculine name with possible Slavic or Eastern European origins. In Czech and Slovak languages, names with the suffix '-ek' often indicate a diminutive or affectionate form, suggesting Vilek might be derived from names like Vilém (the Czech form of William) or related to 'vil' elements in Slavic languages. The name carries a strong, distinctive sound that's concise yet memorable. Despite its brevity, Vilek projects strength and individuality. The name remains uncommon in English-speaking countries, making it appealing to parents seeking truly distinctive options. Its short, straightforward pronunciation and spelling give it practical advantages while still maintaining an exotic, international quality that stands out in most communities.
- Uilleam
Origin:
Scottish variation of WilliamDescription:
Most Americans would take the easy way out and spell it Willem, as in artist de Kooning and actor Dafoe.
- Vila
Description:
Vila is a masculine name with diverse origins across multiple cultures. In Slavic mythology, Vila refers to fairy-like creatures or nymphs that inhabit the wilderness. The name may also derive from Latin 'villa,' meaning 'country house' or 'estate.' In some South Slavic languages, Vila can mean 'fairy' or 'enchantress,' though when used as a masculine name it takes on different cultural contexts. The name remains relatively uncommon internationally but appears in various European countries, particularly those with Slavic heritage. Vila has a melodic quality with its short, flowing pronunciation, making it distinctive yet accessible. The name's brevity gives it a modern feel despite its traditional roots, appealing to parents seeking a unique name with mythological or nature-inspired connections.
- Vilhelm
Origin:
German variation of WilliamDescription:
The way Wilhelm is pronounced anyway, so a pointless spelling variation.
- Viliam
Origin:
Czech variation of WilliamDescription:
Substituting the V for the W sounds almost comedic to the American ear.